WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) visited Israel this weekend to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. 

Today, Graham had breakfast with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ambassador Friedman at the Prime Minister’s residence before flying to the Golan Heights and expressing support for official recognition of these lands as part of Israel.  On Sunday, Graham and Friedman visited the Gaza tunnels, which are used by the terrorist organization Hama to funnel weapons and troops meant to harm Israeli citizens.

Graham is the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, which handles U.S. foreign assistance and oversight of the Department of State.

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

GRAHAM SPEAKS AT THE GOLAN HEIGHTS:

(VIDEO) https://twitter.com/AmichaiStein1/status/1105142201074573312

“From the state of South Carolina, I come here as an American trying to figure out what’s best for America.  And what’s best for America is a safe, secure, and prosperous Israel.

“Why? Common values.  Common enemies.  And, from a military point of view, [Israel is] the best friend the United States could possibly ever have in a troubled region.  I cannot tell you how much intelligence is given to the United States from our friends in Israel that protects the American homeland.

“So if you believe as I do that the State of Israel is a strategic partner to the United States and its survival, prosperity, and security is relevant to American national security, you would come here.

“As for the Golan: For decades this was one of the more peaceful parts of the border that Israel has to police, but not so much now.

“So, I have a simple message. I will go back to the United States Senate and, working with Senator Ted Cruz, I will start a simple effort to recognize the Golan as part of the State of Israel -- now and forever. 

“Because to give this up would be a strategic nightmare for the State of Israel.  And who would you give it to?”

GOLAN HEIGHTS TWEET FROM PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:

(PHOTO) https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1105149478699438086

“With my good friend, Senator @LindseyGrahamSC, today in the Golan Heights. The Golan Heights will always be part of Israel. It is important that the international community, especially our great friend the United States, recognizes this fact and accepts it.”

GOLAN HEIGHTS TWEET FROM AMBASSADOR DAVID M FRIEDMAN:

(PHOTO) https://twitter.com/USAmbIsrael/status/1105147480797310983

“With @LindseyGrahamSC and @IsraeliPM today on the #Golan Heights at the Syrian border. Compelling evidence presented of the critical strategic importance of Israeli control of this territory. Senator Graham spoke movingly and with great moral clarity on this subject.”

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENAJIM NETANYAHU:

(VIDEO) Breakfast with Prime Minister Netanyahu

https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1105022462234972162

U.S. EMBASSY JERUSALEM:

(VIDEO) Travel to Golan Heights

https://twitter.com/usembassyjlm/status/1105146818340507648

(VIDEO) Tour Gaza Tunnels

https://twitter.com/usembassyjlm/status/1104789469419446277

(PHOTO): Meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu

https://twitter.com/usembassyjlm/status/1105029135561302017

(PHOTO ALBUM): Full Trip and Visits

https://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassyta/sets/72157703961336982/

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